Comments on: Studs Terkel’s Workinghttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/
Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more.Sun, 02 Aug 2015 19:36:33 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1By: MutantSuperModelhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1197522
MutantSuperModelMon, 21 Feb 2011 15:33:30 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1197522I love Harvey Pekar and would love to read that book but alas my library's stock of graphic novels is pretty much non-existent. This is one of those charity things I put into my mental background as things I want to do when I "can afford to be generous." Donating a good collection of graphic novels to the library is definitely up there.I love Harvey Pekar and would love to read that book but alas my library’s stock of graphic novels is pretty much non-existent. This is one of those charity things I put into my mental background as things I want to do when I “can afford to be generous.” Donating a good collection of graphic novels to the library is definitely up there.

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]]>By: Juliahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1196002
JuliaSun, 20 Feb 2011 21:33:24 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1196002Please write a graphic novel about finance! As an adult with ADD, I deeply appreciate ANY deviation from text-only information delivery systems. Maus was a literary and commercial hit - talk about improbable, a cartoon about the Holocaust. Can you imagine the pre-publication talk about those books - he wrote what??? And then it became a classic. You can definitely write a great graphic novel about people and money, JD!Please write a graphic novel about finance! As an adult with ADD, I deeply appreciate ANY deviation from text-only information delivery systems. Maus was a literary and commercial hit – talk about improbable, a cartoon about the Holocaust. Can you imagine the pre-publication talk about those books – he wrote what??? And then it became a classic. You can definitely write a great graphic novel about people and money, JD!

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]]>By: AnonAgainhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1195972
AnonAgainSun, 20 Feb 2011 21:04:14 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1195972Apologies in advance for nitpicking, but while this may be "graphic novel style," it ain't a novel if it's non-fiction. Some people may consider "comic book" to be pejorative, but using the more formal, less accurate term smacks of insecurity (just like "sanitation engineer").Apologies in advance for nitpicking, but while this may be “graphic novel style,” it ain’t a novel if it’s non-fiction. Some people may consider “comic book” to be pejorative, but using the more formal, less accurate term smacks of insecurity (just like “sanitation engineer”).

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]]>By: Rosahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1194962
RosaSun, 20 Feb 2011 06:37:34 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1194962Nickeled & Dimed is nothing like Working, though, because Terkel let people speak for themselves (I love all his books, especially the one about old people.)
I'd buy a graphic novel memoir of yours, JD. Though since one of your big pieces of advice is "don't buy so many comics" I wonder if our comic store would stock it :)Nickeled & Dimed is nothing like Working, though, because Terkel let people speak for themselves (I love all his books, especially the one about old people.)

I’d buy a graphic novel memoir of yours, JD. Though since one of your big pieces of advice is “don’t buy so many comics” I wonder if our comic store would stock it

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]]>By: Tinahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1194472
TinaSun, 20 Feb 2011 02:40:47 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1194472I think a graphic novel would be a great idea, especially if it's geared towards someone who's just graduated high school and is off to college. For example, I know the rules have changed regarding credit cards being offered to college students, but having some guidance for a situation like that would be invaluable. You could also do something like tips and tricks for saving money on typical expenses, student loans, etc.I think a graphic novel would be a great idea, especially if it’s geared towards someone who’s just graduated high school and is off to college. For example, I know the rules have changed regarding credit cards being offered to college students, but having some guidance for a situation like that would be invaluable. You could also do something like tips and tricks for saving money on typical expenses, student loans, etc.

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]]>By: Stanhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1194402
StanSun, 20 Feb 2011 02:12:06 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1194402Add my vote to those who would read J.D.'s graphic novel. I think it sounds like a great idea!Add my vote to those who would read J.D.’s graphic novel. I think it sounds like a great idea!

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]]>By: I.N.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1194122
I.N.Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:16:35 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1194122As a former escort and someone concerned with sex worker rights, I am glad to see a call-girl represented among working people. A recurring theme in discussions I see between activists is that we need to change the discourse about sex work to what it really is about - work. With its ups and downs, challenges and joys, people who like it and people who don't but just do it for the money.
And looking at the garbage truck driver example or all the jokes about lawyers, I can also see we are not the only ones with a stigma attached to the job description.As a former escort and someone concerned with sex worker rights, I am glad to see a call-girl represented among working people. A recurring theme in discussions I see between activists is that we need to change the discourse about sex work to what it really is about – work. With its ups and downs, challenges and joys, people who like it and people who don’t but just do it for the money.

And looking at the garbage truck driver example or all the jokes about lawyers, I can also see we are not the only ones with a stigma attached to the job description.

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]]>By: felixhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193972
felixSat, 19 Feb 2011 23:07:48 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193972I second Susan's recommendation for Gig...It's no Working, but I thought it was a good read.
And I agree that a personal finance comic would be awesome (but then I'm a big fan of comics).I second Susan’s recommendation for Gig…It’s no Working, but I thought it was a good read.

And I agree that a personal finance comic would be awesome (but then I’m a big fan of comics).

]]>By: KADhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193642
KADSat, 19 Feb 2011 19:34:56 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193642You should TOTALLY write that graphic novel, J.D. It would reach out to audiences not tapped by your first book: young people who need to hear your message before they start making serious mistakes with money. DO it! Do it!You should TOTALLY write that graphic novel, J.D. It would reach out to audiences not tapped by your first book: young people who need to hear your message before they start making serious mistakes with money. DO it! Do it!

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]]>By: PigPennieshttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193632
PigPenniesSat, 19 Feb 2011 19:23:45 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193632Thank you for posting these excerpts! Everyone does have something important to say, but sometimes that's easy to forget about yourself when you're working 9-5 under fluorescent light bulbs in a synergy cube.Thank you for posting these excerpts! Everyone does have something important to say, but sometimes that’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re working 9-5 under fluorescent light bulbs in a synergy cube.

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]]>By: chacha1http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193542
chacha1Sat, 19 Feb 2011 18:07:33 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193542When I was in my early teens, my Dad gave me a comic book about a character called Primero Dinero. It was all about microeconomics and entrepreneurship. Primero got into all kinds of scrapes including a shipwreck and, fabulously, I seem to recall a liaison with Morgan Fairchild. It wasn't kid-level stuff. :-) It was funny but very instructive.
Edited to add - out of curiosity I did a quick search and there are two copies for sale at Abebooks, expensive, but if this is your bag, might be a good addition to the collection. "The Adventures of Primero Dinero."When I was in my early teens, my Dad gave me a comic book about a character called Primero Dinero. It was all about microeconomics and entrepreneurship. Primero got into all kinds of scrapes including a shipwreck and, fabulously, I seem to recall a liaison with Morgan Fairchild. It wasn’t kid-level stuff. It was funny but very instructive.
Edited to add – out of curiosity I did a quick search and there are two copies for sale at Abebooks, expensive, but if this is your bag, might be a good addition to the collection. “The Adventures of Primero Dinero.”

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]]>By: Chrishttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193472
ChrisSat, 19 Feb 2011 17:10:14 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193472Please do it J.D.! You of course will have your own take on an angle for your book but I think it would be real cool to just have ordinary people talking about how they manage their money. Maybe less a how to and more of people's voices. That's what makes this blog and others that I like to read so compelling, the personal stories.Please do it J.D.! You of course will have your own take on an angle for your book but I think it would be real cool to just have ordinary people talking about how they manage their money. Maybe less a how to and more of people’s voices. That’s what makes this blog and others that I like to read so compelling, the personal stories.

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]]>By: brokeprofessionalshttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193462
brokeprofessionalsSat, 19 Feb 2011 17:09:06 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193462That one graphic novel story about the "sanitation worker" reminded me of growing up. My father had an honest job, worked a ton of hours, and put food on the table, but I would be ashamed because the other kids would make fun of me for it. Now as an adult I am, of course, ashamed for not respecting what my dad was sacrificing and giving up so I could go to college oneday, to put on the table, etc. I too find the every day life activities of the average person interesting.That one graphic novel story about the “sanitation worker” reminded me of growing up. My father had an honest job, worked a ton of hours, and put food on the table, but I would be ashamed because the other kids would make fun of me for it. Now as an adult I am, of course, ashamed for not respecting what my dad was sacrificing and giving up so I could go to college oneday, to put on the table, etc. I too find the every day life activities of the average person interesting.

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]]>By: Chickybethhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193422
ChickybethSat, 19 Feb 2011 16:57:17 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193422What I found most interesting about this post was the quote form the younger worker talking about the boss:
"We do the job and we do it fine, but he doesn't know why. The older guys work because they want to get ahead but he doesn't know why we do."
It seems like that's why everyone is complaining these days about Generation Y. People don't understand their motivation for wanting to make the world better and so they consider them lazy. It's nice to be reminded how every generation goes through the same cycles and how today's idealist will be tomorrow's curmudgeon. :)What I found most interesting about this post was the quote form the younger worker talking about the boss:

“We do the job and we do it fine, but he doesn’t know why. The older guys work because they want to get ahead but he doesn’t know why we do.”

It seems like that’s why everyone is complaining these days about Generation Y. People don’t understand their motivation for wanting to make the world better and so they consider them lazy. It’s nice to be reminded how every generation goes through the same cycles and how today’s idealist will be tomorrow’s curmudgeon.

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]]>By: Matthttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193302
MattSat, 19 Feb 2011 16:05:57 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193302For those in chicago, there is a production of Working going on right now. I saw it on Thursday and really enjoyed it.For those in chicago, there is a production of Working going on right now. I saw it on Thursday and really enjoyed it.

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]]>By: Kimhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193292
KimSat, 19 Feb 2011 16:04:54 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193292I highly recommend: Nickled and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. This is an infomrative and startling portrait of the working poor. Here's the A-zon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Dimed-Not-Getting-America/dp/0805063897I highly recommend: Nickled and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. This is an infomrative and startling portrait of the working poor. Here’s the A-zon link:

]]>By: e e cummingshttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193272
e e cummingsSat, 19 Feb 2011 16:00:08 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193272As a Studs Terkel fan, and (partly because of darling husband) a budding comics fan (or BD where I live) I give this review 2 thumbs up. The book is now on my list for the next book-buying round. Thanks for the information!!!As a Studs Terkel fan, and (partly because of darling husband) a budding comics fan (or BD where I live) I give this review 2 thumbs up. The book is now on my list for the next book-buying round. Thanks for the information!!!

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]]>By: Wadehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193212
WadeSat, 19 Feb 2011 15:11:15 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193212I'd never actually heard of this book before, and I find the concept and excerpts to be very interesting. It is kind of a unique view of how workers of that era felt. Take for example, the worker from the "Bible Belt" that is working for a "Yankee" after the "War of Northern Aggression." It is very interesting what these people thought of the jobs they performed.I’d never actually heard of this book before, and I find the concept and excerpts to be very interesting. It is kind of a unique view of how workers of that era felt. Take for example, the worker from the “Bible Belt” that is working for a “Yankee” after the “War of Northern Aggression.” It is very interesting what these people thought of the jobs they performed.

]]>By: Susanhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193062
SusanSat, 19 Feb 2011 13:23:56 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193062Cool - I really loved the original book. A few years ago, someone published a modern version called "Gig". The interviews aren't as brilliant as terkel's (he was just a genius in my opinion), but it's fun because it looks at today's work world.Cool – I really loved the original book. A few years ago, someone published a modern version called “Gig”. The interviews aren’t as brilliant as terkel’s (he was just a genius in my opinion), but it’s fun because it looks at today’s work world.

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]]>By: Pamelahttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/02/19/studs-terkels-working/comment-page-1/#comment-1193022
PamelaSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:53:48 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=68902#comment-1193022I owned a hard cover copy of Working for many years and dipped into it over and over. People are very eloquent when someone is listening, really listening to them.
As I consider these stories today, I think of many people I meet now who are dissatisfied with the whole idea of working at a conventional 9-to-5 job and hope there is something better out there that will give them more control over their destiny. It would be interesting to see someone who loves stories as much as Terkel interview workers born after 1950.
I had no idea this book had been released as a graphic novel. It reminds me a little bit of Will Eisner's stories about every day life in NYC. I'll be looking for it.
And I'm a big fan of sequential art myself. I'd love to see a financial planning book in my local comic shop. Daniel Pink's The Adventures of Johnny Bunko might be an interesting inspiration for it.I owned a hard cover copy of Working for many years and dipped into it over and over. People are very eloquent when someone is listening, really listening to them.

As I consider these stories today, I think of many people I meet now who are dissatisfied with the whole idea of working at a conventional 9-to-5 job and hope there is something better out there that will give them more control over their destiny. It would be interesting to see someone who loves stories as much as Terkel interview workers born after 1950.

I had no idea this book had been released as a graphic novel. It reminds me a little bit of Will Eisner’s stories about every day life in NYC. I’ll be looking for it.

And I’m a big fan of sequential art myself. I’d love to see a financial planning book in my local comic shop. Daniel Pink’s The Adventures of Johnny Bunko might be an interesting inspiration for it.